Following the Watford Observer's investigation into appalling staff living conditions at Watford General, the West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust released the following statement:

"The West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust recognises that the accommodation it provides to its staff should be of a higher standard than it is – there are problems, such as pest control, and this is regrettable, but when they occur they are dealt with.

"The Trust has made a significant improvement in its accommodation stock with an initial investment of £1million to ensure that buildings are safe and meet various regulations.

"The Trust is now moving to the phase that will include kitchen and bathroom upgrades, the fitting of showers, redecoration of common areas, provision of tumble dryers and replacement of furniture.

"The need for hospital residential accommodation has changed significantly over the years and now very few staff need to stay on site. Some choose to do so, but the Trust’s core business is not to act as a landlord and certainly not to subsidise rent - its core business is to invest taxpayer’s money in providing healthcare to those that need it.

"If we continued subsiding the rent, as we are now it would mean in excess of £100,000 of taxpayers’ money not spent on patients.

"The Trust has therefore reviewed all the accommodation it has available and has radically changed its strategy. It is now investing in a smaller number of units of a higher quality and will be charging market comparable rents. The Trust has identified a number of residential blocks, which are no longer used for accommodation and is in the process of closing them or where appropriate converting them for other uses."

Sarah Wiles, Director of Strategy and Infrastructure said: “ The Trust is committed to ensuring the accommodation provided for staff is of the highest quality that can be afforded and I look forward to working with our residents to improve the facilities available for the money they pay. The Trust is not in a position to subsidise accommodation at the cost of patient care.”

Sarah continued: “The Trust continues to work closely with local housing associations and landlords to assist staff in finding appropriate accommodation and is particularly looking forward to working with the Watford Football Club when their Key Worker Housing becomes available next year, a scheme the Trust were instrumental in establishing”.